[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 117 (Wednesday, September 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF UKRAINE

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                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2000

  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
extend my congratulations to the Jewish community of Ukraine, and 
particularly to the Chief Rabbi Schmuel Kaminezki, on the reopening of 
the Golden Rose Choral Synagogue in the city of Dnepropetrovsk.
  This event, which took place on September 20th, is very important, 
not only for Ukrainian Jews, but for Jewish people around the world. It 
symbolizes the hard work and dedication that has made the Jewish 
community in Ukraine one of the most vibrant Jewish communities among 
the countries comprising the former Soviet Union.
  Today in Dnepropetrovsk Jewish orphanages, schools, food centers, 
community centers, medical centers, centers that provide care for the 
elderly, and centers for holocaust survivors and victims of communism, 
are all thriving. More importantly, more than 200 Jewish public 
organizations are active throughout Ukraine promoting and reviving 
cultural and religious customs and traditions for all Ukrainian Jews.
  While this progress is significant, I want to encourage the Ukrainian 
government to continue working together with Jewish community leaders 
to resolve the remaining property restitution issues. Ukraine's record 
in this area and the Ukrainian government's commitments to future 
progress will go a long way toward promoting religious tolerance and 
freedom and ensuring that all Ukrainians have an opportunity to build 
bright and prosperous futures for themselves and their families.

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